Mims Selected AG

The General Assembly unanimously confirmed William C. Mims, a former Republican legislator from Loudoun County, as Virginia's attorney general.

Mims, chief deputy attorney general, will replace Robert F. McDonnell (R), who stepped down last week to campaign for governor. He will be sworn in tomorrow.

"I am honored to serve as Attorney General following Bob McDonnell," Mims said. "Bob McDonnell was an exceptional Attorney General, and I plan to continue his legacy by providing the very best legal services for Virginia's citizens."

Mims, 51, served three terms in the House and two state terms in the Senate, will finish McDonnell's term, which ends in January. He said he will not run for re-election.

"Today's unanimous confirmation vote demonstrates the high regard in which Bill is held by leaders from both political parties,'' McDonnell said in a statement. "He is beloved by the staff at the office, widely respected in the Virginia legal and political communities, and well suited to serve as the next Attorney General of Virginia."

In recent years, attorneys general of both parties have resigned during the annual legislative session to run for governor.

Three Democrats, former delegate Brian Moran of Alexandria, Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath and Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, are competing for the Democratic primary for the June 9 primary.